The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, brought together more than 1,300 community members, partner organizations, elected officials, faith leaders, and supporters on Saturday, Oct. 11, for its sold-out 31st Anniversary Gala, themed Speaking Truth in the Face of Injustice.
The evening celebrated more than three decades of advocacy, service, and community power—highlighting the resilience and leadership of Bay Area Muslims while raising vital support for CAIR-SFBA’s ongoing work to defend civil rights and advance justice.
Even amid celebration, Gaza remained central to the program. As attendees gathered, CAIR-SFBA leaders welcomed reports of a deal intended to end the genocide and reiterated the organization’s call for a lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and a just peace rooted in accountability and human dignity.
WATCH: Interview with CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo on the Gaza Ceasefire Deal
The gala featured an inspiring lineup of national leaders and changemakers, including racial justice activist Linda Sarsour, U.S. Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12), U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a pioneering American Muslim faith leader and longtime community organizer.
CAIR-SFBA also honored three extraordinary individuals for their contributions to human rights and community empowerment:
- Cat Brooks — Voice of Truthaward: For her fearless leadership in the struggle for justice as co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project and host of KPFA’s Law & Disorder.
- Ramzi Kassem — Defender of Truth award: For groundbreaking work as an attorney, educator, and founder of the CLEAR Clinic representing those unjustly targeted by post-9/11 policies; counsel to Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk.
- Dr. Hatem Bazian — Lifetime Achievement award: For decades of scholarship, movement-building, and leadership in advancing justice and combating Islamophobia.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“On Saturday, our community spoke with one voice: we will not be silent in the face of genocide, censorship, or discrimination. For thirty-one years, CAIR-SFBA has turned grief into organizing and hope into action. We leave united in truth—and ready for the work ahead.”
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com